TAU SA celebrates its 115th anniversary. This makes this union one of the oldest organizations in the country: it is older than any political party or trade union and older than most civic and agricultural organizations.
TAU SA had in fact been established before South Africa became a unitary state, which means that TAU is even older than any state institution. The establishment of TAU eventually lead to several initiatives, including the establishment of the Department of Agriculture, the Land Bank, SA Studbook and the old SA Agricultural Union, which later became Agri SA.
At TAU SA’s Annual Congress, to be held on 26 September 2012 in Pretoria, the Union’s 115th anniversary will be appropriately incorporated into the conference program.
Although the agricultural environment changed since the founding of TAU in 1897, TAU SA has the record that it is still the same: from the farmer, for the farmer and on behalf of the farming community. Farmers in South Africa have declined dramatically in recent years. Therefore, while farmers can easily be counted, their contribution to the country’s economy should rather be weighed. This will also be the main theme of TAU SA’s congress.
TAU SA will present its discussion document, “Towards a new agricultural revolution and economic empowerment” to the media. This document has already been made available to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries..
The speakers at the conference will include the well known economist Mike Schussler, who will address the question whether South African farmers will be able to continue supplying South Africa with affordable food in a sustainable manner, in light of macro economic indicators.
Prof. Johan Kirsten of the University of Pretoria will address congress on the principles for agricultural and rural development policies for South Africa.
Myths and facts of climate change and its impact on food production will be addressed by Prof. Roland Schulze.
Mr. Flip Buys of Solidarity will discuss the political challenges of our time, with a particular emphasis on how necessary and feasible Afrikaner unity is to face the impact of the NDR.
* TAU SA’s congress takes place on Wednesday, September 26 from 08:30 at the CSIR Conference Centre in Pretoria. The second day’s conference will be behind closed doors for TAU SA members only.
